REVIEW: ‘Fena: Pirate Princess,’ Episode 7 – “The Burning Sea”

Fena: The Pirate Princess is a joint Crunchyroll/Adult Swim exclusive adventure anime from Production I.G. Fena is the captive of Lord Abel, Yukimaru is in pursuit of their ship alone, having parted ways with the rest of the crew when they opted not to mount a rescue. But will Yukimaru be enough to rescue Fena in Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 7?

The best way to learn about someone is to witness their actions. Actions, after all, speak far louder than words. This truth is driven home when those actions are backed up with cannon fire. When Lord Abel’s discussion with Fena is interrupted by an unwelcome visitor, Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 7 gives us a good look at the man with whom Fena has been trapped. Let’s just say he doesn’t come across as restrained nor merciful.

But while Fena is learning about her captor, back on the Bonito, the crew is having a hard conversation about what is the best course of action for them concerning their absent friends. For while they are honor-bound to follow their orders, Fena and Yukimaru are friends. Can they leave them behind?

Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 7 reaches its narrative apex as Fena gets a look at the cold, dispassionate handiwork of her captor. Stricken with fear, Fena begins to panic and crying out for help. The manner and way in which the story answers Fena’s cry is storytelling perfection. It is the most obvious possibility, and yet there is no way it could’ve been handled better. It delivers a sort of magic in the moment that is hard to describe. But it is there and it is amazing.

Closing the episode we finally get to see some of the sword clashing that I have been wanting from this series. The sleek style of combat is delivered beautifully here. While I’d still love for more, the show gets so much out of every moment when swords are drawn.

An aspect of Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 7 that greatly helps this episode’s emotion is its amazing soundtrack. The background music throughout the episode enhances the emotions, threats, and thrills throughout the episode, while always keeping a sound that makes one think of the high seas and pirate battles.

Combining with the fantastic story and beautiful soundtrack is Fena: Pirate Princess‘s always memorable animation. Production I.G. continues to put on a masterclass in animation. So many of the elements of Fena’s journey are infused with a sort of romantic aura thanks to the animations flowing, brilliant visuals. And when Lord Abel displays his displeasure at the previously mentioned interruption, the animation steps up to deliver something on a whole new scale that is sure to be burned into the mind’s eye of many viewers. Abel does not do things by half measures and Production I.G. sure doesn’t either.

So, to bring it all back together, Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 7 delivers the latest installment in its high seas adventure with an emotional adventure that is delivered with a skillful grace that I cannot fathom wanting more from. It has already been an amazing year for me where anime is concerned and if Fena: Pirate Princess keeps this up the best may be yet to come. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to watch this episode again!

Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 7 is streaming on Crunchyroll and Adult Swim.